“We have declared a humanitarian aid mobilization to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters affected by the earthquake. Let's all extend a hand of hope to our brothers and sisters,” the foundation said in a statement.

A powerful earthquake struck southern Türkiye, near the Syrian border, at 04:17 AM TRT (01:17 UTC) earlier on Monday, causing widespread damage in Turkey and Syria.

With a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent) and a magnitude of 7.8 Mww, it is tied with the 1939 Erzincan earthquake as the strongest earthquake to hit Turkey in recorded history.

The earthquake was followed by numerous aftershocks, the strongest of which had a magnitude of 6.7 Mw.

According to initial reports, more than 700 people were killed and nearly 5,000 injured. (ILKHA)